Open Space and Landscaping Requirements for the RS-5 Residential District in Concord

The RS-5 Single-Family Residential district in Concord requires a minimum of 25 percent lot coverage for residential structures and mandates specific landscaping for front yard areas. Additionally, for small lot subdivisions or those with high density, additional common or private open space requirements may apply as detailed in the Concord Development Code.

Residential Open Space Requirements in the RS District

For residential developments in the RS (Residential Single-Family) district, open space is managed through specific requirements depending on the size and nature of the development.

• Private Open Space: In developments with three or more dwelling units, the Concord Development Code requires at least 200 square feet of private and/or common open space per dwelling unit [Section 18.150.100]. Each unit must have a minimum of 60 square feet of private open space [Section 18.150.100].
• Small Lot Subdivisions: For small lot subdivisions, specific open space requirements are determined by the average lot area as outlined in the table below:

Table: Open Space Requirements for Small Lot Subdivisions

Private/Common Open Space per Lot	1,440 – 1,920 sq. ft.	1,920 – 2,999 sq. ft.	3,000 – 4,356 sq. ft.	4,357 – 5,999 sq. ft.
Private Open Space	60 sq. ft.	150 sq. ft.	300 sq. ft.	See Section 18.150.100
Common Open Space	140 sq. ft.	150 sq. ft.	175 sq. ft.	N/A

Landscaping Requirements in the RS District

Landscaping in the RS-5 district is intended to improve aesthetics, provide shade, and reduce heat and glare.

• Single-Family Dwellings: For a single-family dwelling, the required area for landscaping is the front yard [Section 18.165.050].
• Small Lot Developments: For small lot residential developments (two or more lots), the required landscaped area includes the front yard and all common areas [Section 18.165.050].
• General Standards:
  • No more than 50 percent of any required front or street-facing side yard may be covered with a paved or impervious surface [Section 18.155.060].
  • Trees must be provided to shade sidewalks, and planting should be done at the time public improvements are constructed [Section 18.155.060].
  • Turf is limited to 25 percent of the total landscaped area on a site [Section 18.165.070].

Sections Cited

• Section 18.150.100: Open space and recreational facilities for residential development
• Section 18.155.060: Design criteria for small lot single-family subdivisions
• Section 18.165.050: Landscape requirements
• Section 18.165.070: Landscape standards